About Oni Harton, Esq.
Oni Harton is an experienced estate planning and litigation attorney. She has been writing and researching for more than two decades and enjoys contributing to efforts that connect people with critical legal services. Oni contributes to Super Lawyers by creating content and verifying the legal accuracy of articles. Oni is an Indiana University School of Law graduate. She is licensed in Indiana.
Articles written by Oni Harton, Esq.
Transgender Athlete Bans: State Laws and SCOTUS Ruling
On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in the consolidated cases West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox. The Court held that schools may limit women's and girls' sports teams to biological females without violating Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision means that West Virginia and Idaho, along with the 25 other states with similar bans on transgender athletes, may continue to enforce those laws. This decision has national …
Immigrant Eligibility for US Benefits: Legal Overview
Eligibility for benefit programs in the United States is largely based on a person's immigration status, date of entry into the country, personal characteristics, state of residence, and the program being accessed. The current eligibility framework for federal benefit programs was based on one drafted in the 1990s, and recent laws and policies have imposed significant restrictions on access to critical benefits. Because rules for state and federal public benefits vary by state, depend on …
Who Can Vote in the US? A Legal Guide to Voting Eligibility
The basic rules for voter eligibility in the United States are simple: You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the state where you vote. However, specific rules regarding voter registration, voter ID, or restoration of voting rights after a felony conviction can vary widely by state. If you or a loved one has questions about your eligibility, restoring lost voting rights, or believes that voting rights have been wrongly restricted, consider contacting an experienced …
Litigator vs. Transactional Lawyer: Which Do You Need?
Litigators and transactional lawyers represent two broad categories of legal practice. Litigators handle legal disputes, representing parties in lawsuits and court proceedings. Transactional lawyers focus more on advising clients in drafting legal documents and negotiating deals, while ensuring compliance and avoiding lawsuits. Knowing the difference between litigators and transactional lawyers helps you find the right legal professional for your needs while saving time and money. Visit the …
What Are the Legal Penalties for Mail Theft?
Getting charged with mail theft is serious. Under federal law, mail theft is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. If you or a loved one has been charged with mail theft, the best step to take is to consult a local criminal defense attorney. Read on to learn details about mail theft, how it's prosecuted, and what penalties you can face. What Is Mail Theft? Mail theft is a federal offense. As the United States Postal Service (USPS) says, mail belongs to the sender or recipient until …
What To Do if Your Mail Is Stolen: Reporting to USPIS, Police, and Legal Action
Every day, the U.S. Postal Service delivers millions of checks, money orders, credit cards, and other valuable items to addresses all across the United States. Unfortunately, these same items make tempting targets for thieves. If your mail goes missing, acting fast can protect your finances and your identity. If you have been a victim of mail theft or need to know how to prevent it or report it to the right agencies, read on. To get legal assistance with mail theft that has caused ongoing …
Does Buying Property Abroad Give You Residency? Real Estate and Visa Rules
Many people dream of buying property abroad as a first step toward living overseas, whether as an expat, a part-time resident, or a long-term investor. But buying real estate in a foreign country does not automatically grant you any particular immigration status. That said, countries do offer property owners the chance to use an overseas property as a pathway to a residence permit through residency-by-investment programs, often called "Golden Visas." Eligibility requirements for obtaining …
What Is a Bivens Action? Suing Federal Officers for Civil Rights Violations
A Bivens action is a type of legal claim named for a 1971 U.S. Supreme Court case that allows people to hold federal officials accountable for constitutional violations. Congress did not enact a law creating a Bivens action; it's based on common law. Bivens actions are narrow in scope, but represent an important legal remedy. Understanding their scope and limits is essential for anyone considering a Bivens action. If you are considering filing a Bivens action, it is advisable to consult an …
When Can You Sue the Federal Government? Understanding the FTCA
The government generally cannot be sued without its consent, but Congress has created a limited waiver of federal sovereign immunity through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This federal law allows private individuals to seek monetary damages for certain negligent or wrongful acts by a federal employee acting within the scope of their employment that caused injury or property damage. The process for filing a claim is strictly defined. The U.S. government does not make it easy to sue, and you …
The Future of Birthright Citizenship: Trump v. Barbara and the 14th Amendment
For over a century, a simple principle determined who counts as a U.S. citizen: If you were born on U.S. soil, you are an American (subject to a very narrow set of exceptions). This is known as birthright citizenship, and it touches millions of families. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship against legal challenges in its June 2026 ruling in Trump v. Barbara. The case struck down a 2025 executive order that sought to bypass the long-settled rule on birthright citizenship by …
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